"Kaidia..." she said softly, her tone warning. Kaidia glared at the priestess, but before she could threaten, arguably, the most powerful holy woman alive, one of the three still standing soldiers spoke up.
"Dragon God. You'll find Adathir's temple in the city of Niercess, on the other side of Merchant's Gulf from the city of Black Sand," he revealed, steady and quiet before pulling off the breastplate he wore, dropping it to the ground, and walking off, apparently disowning Adathir after the debacle he'd just been through.
"He seemed upset," Kai chuckled before turning to Xerith.
"Come along," the blonde said with a sigh before walking off, the companions following.
* * *
After another lengthy walk through the halls of the temple that somehow, despite there being no stairs along the way, ended with the companions on an upper floor, Xerith stopped in front of a set of white double doors. From what Kai could tell, the doors were white marble inlaid with intricate gold designs. They, like the rest of the temple, were a testament of wealth and power. The doors slid soundlessly open at Xerith's touch, revealing a plush common room made of the same white marble and golden accents. The room was well lighted, but not glaringly so and was littered with comfortable chairs and couches. Carpets covered the floor, and the windows offered a breath taking view of the city and beyond. A fireplace with a crackling fire burning within, sat against the farthest wall with chairs in a semi-circle around it. Xerith led the companions inside.
"There are three bedrooms. As I said before, your packs and saddle bags have been brought here. You'll have to look in the rooms to find which one your things are in. There is a room for bathing as well. Acolytes will bring water up shortly. I am confident you can heat it yourselves," she gestured to four doorways located throughout the room, spaced rather evenly apart.
"Thank you, Xerith," Kai said with a faint smile.
"Of course, Dragon God," the priestess replied with a wink.
"Alright, you can cut that out," Kaidia grumbled even as she faintly smiled.
"You adore it. But for now, I need to borrow you away from your sister and your friend," Xerith said, her tone turning serious.
"For?" the mercenary inquired.
"You will see," Xerith replied, taking Kai's hand. The god turned to Rykar and Nadia, who had found chairs upon which to lounge.
"I will be back in a bit, you two. Don't blow anything up," she said to the pair.
"No promises," Rykar replied with a smirk.
* * *
Kaidia gazed around in wonder. She found herself in the massive main library of the temple. She was used to large libraries, but this one was beyond anything she'd ever seen. The library was located underground and was as wide and round as the property on which the towering temple sat. The shelves of books simply went on and on. Xerith had led Kai off to one side of the library where the books seemed to be quite old. The priestess had directed Kaidia to a sitting area that was populated by a long table with chairs around it, as well as chairs that set off on their own. All of it surrounded by shelves upon shelves of books. Once the warrior had seated herself at the table, Xerith had gone off into the shelves in search of one book in particular.
Kaidia was dozing quietly in her chair when Xerith returned and thumped a book down on the table, startling the mercenary from her half sleep. The book was large and open already. The left hand page was covered in a spidery scrawl while the right hand page was an illustration. Upon closer examination, Kai discovered that the writing was in an ancient form of the common tongue that she could barely decipher despite the rather expansive vocabulary and linguistic knowledge a noble's education had instilled in her. She took a look at the illustration instead and her eyes widened.
"How old is this?!" she asked.
"A few centuries," Xerith answered.
Depicted on the page were four shields, artfully drawn, all bearing family crests. One shield took the upper half of the page all to itself while the other three were lined up below it and drawn smaller. On small scrolls, drawn under each shield, were the family names. The first of the smaller shields bore a pair of silver, crossed swords on a pure red background. The second shield was adorned with a large, golden sun on a white background. The third and final small shield was decorated with fierce, black jaguar's head on a silver backdrop. The large shield, the one that had drawn Kaidia's attention was a blood red dragon on a pitch-black background.
The names on the scrolls depicted beneath the shields were Valensar, Valensorcera, and Valenshae. The name under the large shield was Valengaard. Kaidia's eyes were wide as she looked up to Xerith.
"What is this?" the warrior asked bluntly, gesturing to the book.
"It is a history book. That page in particular is... well... let me read the passage to you. That will be helpful to explaining it," Xerith answered with a faint smile.
"Please do," Kai requested rhetorically as Xerith looked down to the page and took a deep breath.
" 'Valensar, Valensorcera, Valenshae and Valengaard. The four great families charged with the protection of the world of Valen. Valensar, the warriors, gifted in combat. Valensorcera, the mages, skilled in the arcane arts. Valenshae, the shields, protectors of those who cannot fight. Valengaard, the embodiment of them all, warriors possessing great skill in battle, magic, and the heart to defend those who cannot defend themselves. One day, hundreds of years from now, the Valengaard line will give forth a god to battle a growing darkness that will threaten to consume the world. This deity of evil and this Valengaard god will clash more than once and their final battle could very well end the world.' "
"That... I never knew," Kaidia muttered.
"No one does anymore. This was lost to the sands of time long ago, but you see? Your family name translates roughly to 'Guardian of Valen' and I thought you needed to know. I fear that this Adathir is the darkness the author was talking about. You need to be careful when you find his temple. The second battle against him may be a metaphor for fighting the faith his believers have in him and the believers themselves," Xerith spoke softly, but in a serious tone. Kaidia nodded her understanding then turned the page and arched a brow. Four pages were missing, torn out.
“What happened to the following pages? What was on them?” Kaidia asked.
“We don't know. The book was recovered in that condition,” Xerith replied as she shut the book, picked it up and started back toward the bookshelves to put it in its place.
"Wait a moment, Xerith. I wanted to ask you something else while I was here," Kai said a little hesitantly.
"What is it, Kai?" the priestess asked softly as she stepped closer, concern on her face.
"Have you ever heard of two people becoming one?" the warrior asked.
"How do you mean, exactly?" Xerith questioned with a curious gaze.
"Well, during the battle at Vortha four years ago, when my wife was killed, she didn't actually die on the battlefield. The arrow that hit her was cursed, I couldn't heal her, she was dying and we both knew it. So I kissed her one more time, figuring she should at least take something nice to the grave with her. Then everything went hazy. I felt like every fiber of my being was ripped apart and reconstructed, put back together with extra pieces. When I came to, Ashlin, my wife, was gone. Literally. Her body wasn't there, only her armor lay in the dirt, and everything seemed more... alive. My senses were all... more. But I have no idea what happened," Kaidia clarified as best she could with a bit of a lost look in her eyes.
"I don't know for sure either, Kaidia, but it sounds like she became a part of you and that somehow awoke the dragon in you and triggered your ascent to godhood. Though that is just an educated guess, of course," Xerith speculated.
"Best answer I've had yet," Kai said by way of thanks. Xerith simply smiled.
"Glad to be of help, my friend. Now, let's get you back to your suite. I'm sure you're weary after such an interesting day. Beyond that, I have some things to attend to," the priestess said, leading the w
ay out of the library with Kaidia walking beside her.
* * *
Meanwhile, back in the suite, Rykar and Nadia had struck up a conversation whilst staring into the dancing flames in the fireplace grate. Both of them had noted that there wasn't any wood there, just a fire.
"So, I noticed you know how to use magic, Rykar."
"I do, but only the one art."
"Just one?"
"Just one. But it's very powerful because it has been my sole focus for years."
"So you chose lightning and stuck with it."
"I did. Probably the only people who can outclass me at it are you, your sister, and some rather studied mages."
"Perhaps we'll get to see your skill with it in battle."
"Perhaps so."
There were a few moments of silence as the room seemed to darken and then become infused with a warm, soft light that had no readily discernible source.
"I wonder what your sister is doing?"
"I don't know. Hard to tell with her."
The doors of the room opened then, cutting off the conversation, and admitting Kaidia into the room. The tall warrior strode to stand in the light of the fire, between the chairs of her two companions.
"Speak of the devil," Nadia said with a smile.
"You mean god," Rykar corrected.
"Oh, shut up," Kaidia growled in a light-hearted manner.
"I think I'd rather not," the man replied.
"So what now?" Nadia asked, eyeing her sister.
"We head out for Black Sand in the morning. I know the city as well as a few people there from back during the war and after," Kaidia responded.
"Ah, Black Sand. Fun place," Rykar spoke, apparently adrift in memory for the moment.
"Yes, but we won't be there for fun. Just business. We'll need a ship. I know a captain of a ship who, as far as I know, still makes regular stops in Black Sand," Kai explained as she eyed the fire, thinking as she spoke.
"We know Thorgrimm as well," Rykar added.
"Right. He could be of some help too," Kaidia said thoughtfully.
"Who is Thorgrimm?" Nadia inquired, looking between Rykar and her sibling.
"A dwarf. Damn fine warrior, hearty drinker, hell of a story teller," Rykar answered.
"He owns a nice establishment in Black Sand. An inn. Great food, good drink, and clean beds. I imagine we'll spend a night there unless we happen to book a ship that is leaving the day we arrive," Kaidia added.
"Ah!" Nadia acknowledge, then tilted her head. "Why is the city named Black Sand?" she went on to ask.
"I was wondering when you'd ask that. It's really just what it sounds like. The sand on the beaches in the port and up and down the coast a few miles is pitch black," Kai answered with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Why is it black?" Nadia questioned, making a bit of a face. Black sand seemed strange.
"There are multiple legends but no one is quite sure anymore. Probably some crazy mage's doing. At least, that'd be my bet," Rykar responded with a shrug.
"Probably," Kaidia agreed.
"Well, either way, I want to see it," Nadia said with a smile.
"You can't miss it," Rykar chuckled, enjoying the young woman's enthusiasm.
"Good," the younger Valengaard chirped.
"Indeed. Did they bring the water up?" Kai asked.
"They did. Enough for all of us, it's in the appropriate room," Rykar answered, pointing to one set of doors that was open.
"Good. I'm going to go bathe, then sleep. This day has been... troublesome," the warrior said with a bit of a sigh.
"Only you would find being a god to be troublesome," Nadia commented playfully.
"It is going to be more trouble than it's worth." the elder sibling muttered as she walked off to the bathing room and closed the doors. Rykar and Nadia sat in silence for a moment before Nadia piped up.
"I wonder what she'll do when people start praying to her."
"Or start leaving offerings."
"Oh, I hope I'm there to see that," Nadia laughed.
"Me too," Rykar agreed.
The rest of the evening was spent in relative silence, each companion lost in their own thoughts. After everyone had refreshed with a bath, the companions gathered together near the fire to discuss the coming day.
"We leave at dawn. Black Sand is about two days from here, three at most. We'll get to Thorgrimm's inn, see what he knows about this cult built around Adathir and see if my friend the captain is in town or when she'll return. Her ship is fast and I trust her so I'd like to travel with her if at all possible. We have enough supplies to get there but we should restock once we're there," Kaidia laid out her plans, glancing between her sister and Rykar.
"Sounds fine to me," Rykar yawned.
"Same here," Nadia agreed.
"Good. I'll see you two in the morning then," Kai said with a faint smile before turning and walking to her room. She was without her armor this evening, a sleeveless tunic and a pair of soft leather pants were her only clothing at the moment. The woman's bare feet were silent on the carpet as she walked to her room, slipped inside, and closed the door.
"I suppose this is good night," Nadia said with a clap on Rykar's shoulder as she started toward her own room.
"Sleep well," Rykar returned before heading to his room.
* * *
The next morning, after Kai flipped Rykar's bed to wake the man up, the three companions dressed in armor and weapons, gathered their packs and saddle bags, then headed for the door. Upon opening the door to their suite, all three immediately picked up on the scent of food. Stepping outside the door, they looked about. Around the doorway were various gifts. From flowers to art to swathes of cloth to plates full of fruits and meats. The meats were still quite hot and fresh, the fruits looked as though they'd been picked and cleaned just minutes ago.
"What in the hell?" Kai asked no one in particular.
"Offerings," Rykar said with a nudge and wink to Nadia.
"A lot of them. You're adored, apparently," Nadia chuckled, eyeing her sibling.
"Oh, breakfast," Rykar muttered to himself with a smile as he stooped down to pick up a plate that had been piled with strips of seasoned, grilled meat. Seasoned with what, he wasn't sure, but it smelled wonderful. Kai shook her head at him, and then quirked a brow as something caught her eye in the piles of food and various material gifts. She took a step over and crouched down, picking something up.
"What have you got there?" Nadia asked as she stepped over. Rykar was lost in enjoying his breakfast. Kaida held out three silver medallions. They were about two inches tall, made to be moderately thick. Each had a rune engraved on it. All the same.
"The rune means 'Dragon'. It's a medallion like you would see for any god," Kai muttered and held one out to Nadia. The younger woman took it and slipped it into her pocket.
"I suppose that makes it official then, my goddess," Nadia smirked.
"Shut up," Kaidia muttered with a faint smile.
"I think not," Nadia said with a wink. Kaidia rolled her eyes.
"Hey, Rykar!" she shouted and whipped one of the medallions at the man. Rykar turned just in time for the coin to thump his chest and fall onto his plate of meat strips.
"What's this then? And why is it on my plate?" He inquired, eyeing the medallion.
"A medallion. I suppose it makes you a follower of uh... me," Kai explained, not quite sure what they'd call the worship of her. Kaidiaology? Dragonology? Probably something preposterously weird. The religious types had a knack for that.
"Hm. Well isn't that spiffy?" Rykar commented before plucking the medallion off his breakfast and tucking it away. Kai put her own in a pocket, and then looked up as an acolyte was making her way toward them. The woman inclined her head in greeting, intent on walking past before Kaidia hailed her and gestured for her to come closer.
"Yes, Goddess Kaidia?" the woman asked.
"Could you possibly have someone take the material gifts and place them
inside my suite? And then have the food donated to feed the poor people of the city?" Kai asked, gesturing to everything. The woman smiled broadly. She was beautiful, elven, and Rykar was staring at her as Rykar was wont to do. Nadia elbowed his ribs to snap him out of it and the man gave the younger Valengaard a bit of an offended look.
"Why, yes, of course, Goddess. Very kind of you. I will gather a few acolytes immediately," the woman said with a bow.
"Thank you, dear," Kai said with a smile.
"Will that be all, Goddess?" the elf woman questioned.
"Yes, thank you," the warrior answered.
"Safe travels," the acolyte said as she bowed again and departed. Kaidia sighed softly and turned to Rykar and Nadia.
"Let's go," she requested with a gesture as she started to walk off. Nadia and Rykar followed, the man still eating the strips of meat, his plate now only half full.
* * *
Upon arriving at the temple gates, the friends found their horses saddled and waiting in the company of three young stable boys. After their saddle bags were secured, the trio mounted their horses amid the stares of the boys. After all, it wasn't every day the boys saw nobles, let alone two that were beautiful women, one of which was also a goddess. Rykar interrupted their stares by handing down his now empty plate to one of them. The boys grumbled about dirty dishes until they noticed three gold coins on the plate. Then they looked back up to Rykar with matching grins. The man simply winked, then spurred his horse into motion, following Nadia and Kaidia out of the temple gates.
Together, the companions rode out of Sarkos and onto the road leading them to Black Sand as the sun rose up into the sky, painting the scant few clouds a glorious gold. Nadia started asking Rykar questions about Black Sand, Thorgrimm, and his history with her sister, all of which the nobleman was more than happy to answer. As her sister and friend engaged in their conversation, Kaidia stared ahead, lost in her own thoughts, pondering what was before them. She thought the bright dawn to be misleading. They were headed toward a dark destination that she was sure none of them would leave unscathed.
Chapter Four: Red Blood on Black Sand
Realms of Valen - Dragon in the Dark (War of the Gods Book 1) Page 8